When a car accident happens in Nashville, the victims are often left to pick up the pieces of their lives. These collisions can lead to serious injuries, extensive property damage, and a host of other losses. In Tennessee, victims of motor vehicle accidents have the right to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against the person or entity responsible.
If you were involved in a car accident, our Nashville personal injury attorneys at Woodard Injury Law can provide the guidance and support that you need to seek justice. Our attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life, one step at a time. Contact us to seek compensation today.
Why Trust Woodard Injury Law with Your Nashville Car Accident Claim?
- With over 10,000 car accident cases handled in the last 19 years, Woodard Injury Law knows what it takes to recover a fair settlement after a collision. Our firm is well-versed in the latest legal developments and strategies to maximize your compensation.
- Our firm provides personalized attention and open communication to each of our car accident clients. You will work directly with your attorney from the first phone call through the resolution of your case.
- Woodard Injury Law has been recognized as the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Nashville for 2023 by Expertise. We are committed to excellence in car accident representation and bring this award-winning service to every case we handle.
Key Auto Accident Takeaways
To help you handle the aftermath of a car accident in Nashville, we’ve compiled some key takeaways in the following section.
- Our car accident lawyer fights for the best possible outcome in your case. Our attorney does not receive any payment until they’ve secured a successful settlement or case verdict on your behalf, which ensures their interests are closely aligned with yours.
- In most cases, you only have one year to file a car accident lawsuit after a wreck in Nashville. To protect your rights, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.
- You may be able to recover economic, non-economic, and punitive damages following a crash caused by another party’s negligence.
Meet Nashville Car Accident Attorney Aaron Woodard
Since 2005, Aaron has fought tirelessly for the rights of auto accident victims in Nashville and across the greater state of Tennessee. He is the founder of Woodard Injury Law, which has helped more than 10,000 injury victims. Aaron’s goal is to provide injury victims with the personalized care and precise legal assistance they deserve. He built his auto accident law firm on three core principles: focus on the client experience, industry knowledge, and sufficient financial resources to fight large insurance companies.
Aaron treats every client like family and strives to provide empathetic representation for car crash victims in their time of greatest need. He works alongside other talented lawyers like Evan Watkins and Joselyne Bobos to tackle even the most complex of auto accident lawsuits. Aaron’s commitment to his clients has won him recognition by Super Lawyers and inclusion in the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys “Top 10 Attorneys” list, among other awards.
Our Firm’s Awards & Associations
What Is Negligence and How Do I Prove It in a Nashville Car Accident Case?
Most car accident claims require you to prove that the other driver was negligent in some way. In legal terms, negligence means that someone failed to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have used in the same situation.
Proving negligence in a car accident case requires establishing four legal elements:
- Duty of care: The other driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow Tennessee’s traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: The driver failed to meet that obligation through their actions, such as by running a red light.
- Causation: The driver’s breach of duty is what directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered real losses as a result of the crash, such as financial expenses and injuries.
Each of these elements must be proven on a “by a preponderance of the evidence” basis, which is around a 51% or higher likelihood.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Crashes in Nashville
Nashville’s busy streets and highways see their fair share of motor vehicle accidents every year. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, 2023 saw 4,996 serious injury or fatal car accidents in Tennessee, with 692 of these collisions occurring in Davidson County alone.
Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who text, make calls, or use social media behind the wheel are far more likely to cause accidents due to their divided attention. Other distractions may include eating, drinking, grooming, or even talking to other people in the car while behind the wheel.
- Speeding: Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions can be extremely dangerous. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions when they occur.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and illegal. Intoxicated drivers have slower reflexes, and impaired judgment, and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that lead to accidents.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Sudden rainstorms, fog, snow, and ice can create hazardous driving situations. Reduced visibility and slippery roads increase the risk of accidents, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed to match the conditions.
- Dangerous Road Conditions: Potholes, inadequate signage, and poorly designed intersections can contribute to accidents. Construction zones that are not properly marked or managed may also pose major risks to drivers navigating unfamiliar roads.
- Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage incidents are common forms of aggressive driving. These behaviors often escalate quickly and can result in serious collisions from someone’s negligence.
Why You Need a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side
When you are involved in a car accident, seeking compensation is often the last item on your mind. Dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and overwhelming hardship can make it difficult to focus on anything else. This is where a Nashville car accident lawyer can provide valuable assistance.
At Woodard Injury Law, our car accident attorneys in Nashville possess a deep knowledge of Nashville traffic laws and have helped thousands of people navigate the aftermath of collisions. Whether you are pursuing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, you can trust us to guide you through the process and build a compelling case on your behalf.
We have extensive experience in dealing with auto insurance companies and their adjusters, which we can leverage to protect your best interests. During negotiations, we will fight to protect your rights and recover a settlement that accurately reflects the damages that you sustained. However, if a lawsuit becomes necessary, we have the courtroom experience to confidently represent your interests before a judge and jury.
Injured? Our Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
How Much Is My Nashville Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your auto accident case will ultimately come down to several factors that are unique to your situation. Some of the things that will play a role in determining what your claim may be worth include:
- The severity of your injuries and how long your recovery is expected to take
- The total amount of your financial expenses
- Whether the accident has affected your ability to work and earn a living
- The degree of pain and suffering the crash has caused in your daily life
- Whether you share any blame for the accident
- The amount of insurance coverage available from the at-fault driver
We can give you a better idea of what your case may be worth during your free consultation. Contact us today to get started.
Eduardo R.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Nashville, TN?
Woodard Injury Law handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front to hire us, and you will not owe any attorney’s fees whatsoever unless we recover compensation for you at the conclusion of your case.
We will walk you through our fee structure during your initial consultation so there are no surprises as your case moves forward. This arrangement allows you to hire experienced legal representation regardless of your financial situation and also gives our team a direct incentive to fight for the best possible result we can in your case.
We’ll Fight for Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents in Nashville can leave victims dealing with injuries that range from minor to life-altering. Our trial attorneys are prepared to help you pursue compensation no matter what kind of harm you have suffered, including:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Burns and scarring
- Knee and shoulder injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
No two accidents are the same, and neither are the injuries that result from them. Reach out to our experienced car accident lawyers in Nashville today so that we can evaluate your situation and start building your case from the ground up.
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Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Nashville
The moments after a car accident are crucial, both for your safety and for the strength of any future legal claim. Taking the right steps can help protect your health, preserve important evidence, and set the foundation for a successful case. While it is natural to feel shaken and confused, try to remain calm and follow these essential steps:
- Call for Help: First, check yourself and others for injuries. If it is safe to do so, you’re your vehicle out of traffic. Call 911 immediately to have law enforcement come to the scene and request emergency medical assistance if needed.
- Report the Accident: When the police arrive, speak to the responding officer. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault. At the scene, law enforcement will create an accident report that you can obtain later, which you can use as evidence in a future claim.
- Get Medical Treatment: After the collision, you may feel completely fine and uninjured. However, you may have hidden or internal injuries that could become serious later on. Do not take a risk—seek medical care as soon as possible and document your injuries. These records will also serve as important evidence in your case.
- Collect as Much Evidence as Possible: If you are able to move around safely, document the scene of the accident. Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. Gather contact and insurance information from all involved parties as well as any witnesses.
- Contact an Attorney: Once you have received medical care for your injuries, it is important to speak with a Nashville car accident attorney as soon as possible. Do not discuss your case with the at-fault party, an insurance representative, or anyone else. Instead, schedule a free legal consultation to plan your legal strategy.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
In Tennessee, the law allows injury victims to seek total compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, as well as receive punitive damages in certain cases. Here are some of the most common types of damages you could be entitled to after a car accident:
- Economic damages – These damages compensate for financial losses directly tied to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. For example, costs for hospital visits, vehicle repairs, or missed workdays would be included. These damages should be calculated based on actual expenses and future anticipated costs.
- Non-Economic damages – Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological effects of the accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For instance, if the accident limits your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, these damages should reflect that loss. Although subjective, Tennessee courts recognize these damages as a critical part of personal injury claims.
- Punitive damages – In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. For example, these damages might apply if the at-fault driver was excessively speeding or driving under the influence. Tennessee Code § 29-39-104 describes the conditions under which punitive damages may be awarded.
Recovering compensation typically involves filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize payouts, making it important to provide thorough documentation, such as medical records, receipts, and witness statements. In cases where the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient or disputes arise, a lawsuit can offer you a chance to secure additional compensation through a court judgment.
Eduardo R.
How is Fault Determined in a Nashville Car Accident?
Establishing fault is essential in Tennessee car accident cases, as the state follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Tennessee Code § 20-1-119. This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the collision. Below, we go over the factors and evidence used to determine fault in Nashville car accident cases:
Police Reports
Law enforcement officers who respond to the scene of an accident often create a detailed police report. This report may include observations about vehicle damage, road conditions, and any apparent violations of traffic laws.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witness statements provide valuable insights into what occurred before and during the accident. These accounts can corroborate your version of events or identify negligent actions by the other party. Eyewitness testimony often carries significant weight in both insurance claims and court proceedings.
Physical Evidence
Evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris at the scene can help reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. Traffic camera footage or photos taken at the scene can also provide a clearer picture of what happened.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Tennessee
Tennessee imposes a strict one-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits, as outlined under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104. This means you typically have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim for damages. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely.
Exceptions to this rule may apply in specific circumstances. For instance, if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended until they are legal adults. Additionally, if the injuries were not immediately apparent, the filing deadline may begin from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
How Do Insurance Adjusters Devalue Nashville Car Accident Claims?
After experiencing a car crash, you may receive friendly and courteous treatment from the insurance adjuster assigned to your case. While it’s only natural to be appreciative of good service, keep in mind that the adjuster works for their insurance company, not for you. At the end of the day, they may attempt to reduce your payout to protect their company’s bottom line. Some strategies insurance companies can use to devalue your claim may include:
- Offering a quick settlement offer before you have time to thoroughly assess your case’s value and weigh your legal options
- Reaching out to request medical records and a recorded statement, which can be used to devalue or deny your claim entirely
- Disputing the necessity of medical treatments received, even if they are key to your recovery
- Working to split or dispute fault to reduce their insured’s liability for your collision
The Nashville car accident legal team at Woodard Injury Law has more than two decades of experience fighting for crash victims. We are able to quickly recognize and counter attempts by insurance companies to devalue your claim and will always strive to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Nashville Car Accident FAQs
How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take?
Every car accident lawsuit is unique. Some cases may be resolved in as little as a few months, while others can take more than a year to reach a settlement or trial verdict. Car accident cases that cause significant injuries or result in disputed liability will naturally take longer than cases that are less complex. Our attorney is happy to discuss your case with you during a free initial consultation to help you get a better sense of what your case may be worth and how long it could take.
Will My Nashville Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Despite what you may have seen in popular media and courtroom dramas, most car accident cases in Nashville will not go to trial. In many cases, the insurance company will offer a reasonable settlement that accounts for your injuries and damages once an experienced attorney takes on your claim. If the insurance company is unable or unwilling to offer a settlement that adequately accounts for the damages you suffered, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. We will fight tirelessly to secure fair compensation for your injuries.
Is Tennessee a No-Fault or At-Fault State?
Tennessee is not a no-fault state. Rather, it follows an at-fault system. If you are involved in an auto accident in Nashville, the motorist responsible for the crash covers the other party’s medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Proving fault after a collision is critical, since it determines who is liable for compensation the wreck’s victims. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the details of your car crash to determine what factors may have contributed to or caused the accident.
Should I Provide the Insurance Company With a Recorded Statement?
You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the insurance company after a car crash in Nashville. We recommend seeking legal advice before choosing to give a recorded statement, as it can be used to challenge your account of events later on. Your lawyer can explain your rights and help ensure your statement is true and accurate.
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Neighborhoods We Serve
We are committed to providing excellent legal representation to the residents of Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Columbia, Clarksville, and other regions throughout the state of Tennessee. We have previously served residents of areas such as:
12 South | Antioch | Belle Meade | Bellevue | Bellshire Terrace | Belmont-Hillsboro | Bordeaux Area | Bradford Hills | Breeze Hill | Brick Church Bellshire | Charlotte Park | Cherokee Park | Cleveland Park | College Heights/Clifton | Crieve Hall | Donelson | East Hill | Eastwood | Edgehill | Fairlane | Five Points | Four Corners | Germantown | Glencliff | Green Hills | Hadley Park | Hadley/Washington | Harbour Town | Harpeth Valley Park | Haynes Area | Haynes Estates | Haynes Park | Hermitage | Heron Walk | Hillwood | Historic Edgefield | Historic Waverly | Inglewood | Lakewood | Lockeland Springs | Madison | McFerrin Park | Melrose | Midtown | Moss Creek | Music Row | Music Valley | Neely’s Bend | North Gulch | Northwest Nashville | Oak Highlands | Old Hickory Village | Parkwood Estates | Pie Town | Poplar Creek Estates | Porter Heights | Priest Lake Park | River Plantation | Rolling River | Rosebank | Rutledge Hill | Shelby Hills | SoBro | South Hampton | South Nashville | Summerfield Village | Sutherland Heights | Sunset View | Sylvan Heights | Sylvan Park | Talbot’s Corner | The District | The Gulch | Traceside | Una | West Meade | Whitebridge | Wedgewood-Houston | Woodycrest | Woodbine | Woodland in Waverly
Start Your Road to Recovery: Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
The aftermath of a car accident can be intense and scary. With Woodard Injury Law on your side, you can navigate the journey ahead with confidence and knowledgeable legal guidance. Our car accident lawyers in Nashville will work tirelessly to secure the compensation that you deserve. We are more than happy to travel to you for meetings and consultations, so that you can focus on recovering after your wreck. Contact us by call or text us at (615) 216-5757 to schedule your consultation and start building your case today.